Torquay United manager's half-time 'sermon' pays off

Gulls keeper saves a penalty to help his side move up the table

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson said he had to give a half-time ‘sermon’ in the dressing room to get his players singing from the same hymn sheet at Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday.

The Gulls had stuttered during a goalless first half on the artificial pitch in Hampshire, and when they lost keeper Rhys Lovett at half time due to injury, the home supporters had high hopes of their team getting off the bottom of the National league South table.

But Torquay were altogether better after the break, and reserve keeper Filip Chalupniczak even pulled off a great penalty save to help United on their way to a win that moves them up to fifth place.

Before the game defender Ross Marshall had joined United’s ever-lengthening injury list, forcing yet another reshuffle of the Gulls side.

New signing Ethon Archer made his debut, and there was a second start up front for Fleetwood loanee Theo Williams. Ryan Hanson and Asa Hall both started, with Brett McGavin suspended and Callum Dolan continuing his recovery from illness with a seat on the bench.

Torquay took the lead on the hour with a stylish finish from Williams, guiding the ball home with the outside of his right foot after a cross by Brad Ash.

The home side were denied their equaliser when Chalupniczak made a great save from James Roberts’ penalty, awarded after the referee adjudged a Lewis Collins tackle to have breached the rules.

It was late in stoppage time when Torquay got their second goal, with Jack Stobbs this time providing the accurate cross from the right and Ash getting on the end of it to score in front of the travelling Torquay fans.

Johnson said afterwards that he was delighted with the ‘hard-earned’ win. “The lads heard a little bit of a sermon from me at half-time, and I’m pleased to say they came up trumps in the second half,” he said.

“I’m also pleased that we’ve got that away form on astroturf off our backs.”

Johnson praised his young goalkeeper and added: “He’s happy, the lads are happy and I’m a bit happier.

“I’m also pleased for all the people that have travelled to see us today.”